Former Fever Player Accused Of Biting Off The Tip Of A Sergeant's Finger Friday In Jail

PASCO, Wash. - Franklin County Sergeant Arnold Boothe had the tip of his finger bitten off by an inmate at the Franklin County Jail Friday morning.

The man accused of the crime is a former Fever player.

25-year-old Michael Hodges is accused of taking off the tip of Boothe's finger.

Authorities said it happened just after 11 o'clock Friday morning.

Hodges allegedly was being put back into his cell when he got unruly and began fighting guards.

It took six officers to get the six foot tall, 270 pound man under control. Police said he was tased four times and he wouldn't cooperate with authorities.

Hodges was in jail because he was arrested Monday for busting through the check point at the Pasco Airport, breaking a window and then assaulting an officer.

Authorities said Hodges just finished meeting with his father when he was being put back into his cell.

Captain Rick Long said, "We don't know exactly what set him off, but he went from being quiet and very cooperative to totally uncooperative and combative ... totally out of control."

Boothe's finger tip couldn't be re-attached.

Captain Long said there was blood everywhere. He said it was one of the worst assaults on an officer he's ever seen at the jail.

Authorities said this is clearly a mental illness case. They've tried to get him committed into Eastern State Hospital but officials there tell Franklin County there is no room for Hodges and said it will take weeks before a space will open up.